Philippines and China Resume Oil and Gas Exploration Talks in South China Sea
In a significant diplomatic development, the Philippines and China have resumed discussions on potential oil and gas exploration in the South China Sea, nearly four years after previous talks were terminated in 2022. The "initial exchanges" took place during the 11th Bilateral Consultative Mechanism (BCM) on the South China Sea meeting, held in Fujian, China, on March 28, 2026.
High-Level Diplomatic Engagement
Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Leo Herrera-Lim and Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong led the Philippine and Chinese delegations at the resumed talks. The BCM was conducted back-to-back with the 24th Foreign Ministry Consultations (FMC), both aimed at addressing bilateral issues and enhancing cooperation between the two nations.
During the meetings, Manila firmly reiterated its position on the South China Sea, raising concerns over China's actions that have disrupted lawful activities and posed risks at sea. The Philippines emphasized the necessity of diplomacy and communication for managing maritime differences, while upholding international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award.
Broader Areas of Cooperation
Beyond the oil and gas exploration talks, both sides noted progress in other potential areas of cooperation to increase confidence in the maritime domain. Key discussions included:
- Coast guard-to-coast guard communication
- Ocean meteorology initiatives
- Stabilizing access to energy and fertilizers
- Potential collaboration in green and renewable energy, trade, and agriculture
The talks also addressed improving two-way tourism through visa-free arrangements, enhanced connectivity, and prospective new direct air routes. These discussions were held against the backdrop of current global developments, including the Middle East crisis.
Philippine National Interest and ASEAN Leadership
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) stated that Manila would handle all bilateral issues in line with Philippine national interest, while advancing mutually beneficial cooperation, especially in economic and people-to-people areas. The Philippines also emphasized its role as chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) this year, committing to play a responsible and professional role in managing regional talks, upholding ASEAN centrality, and reinforcing a rules-based order.
Both nations identified the reconvening of appropriate bilateral mechanisms as a necessary step forward. The DFA announced that the Philippines and China would soon convene a bilateral foreign ministers' meeting within the year, following these latest engagements.
Historical Context and Future Prospects
The FMC was last held in Manila in March 2023, while the previous BCM meeting took place in Xiamen in January 2025. These latest talks align with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to pursue dialogue and diplomacy with China in line with Philippine national interest, while protecting the country's sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction.
The resumption of oil and gas exploration discussions marks a pivotal moment in Philippines-China relations, offering a pathway to address longstanding maritime disputes through diplomatic channels and cooperative initiatives.
